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Late Harrisburg Strike Sinks Saint Louis

By CHRIS HOCKMAN – chris.hockman@uslsoccer.com, 09/09/17, 10:30PM EDT

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Ribeiro scores in stoppage time to send City Islanders past STLFC


Photo Courtesy Mark Guthrel/Saint Louis FC

FENTON, Mo. – The Harrisburg City Islanders ended their winless run as they managed a 2-1 win against Saint Louis FC at Toyota Stadium – Saint Louis on Saturday night. After being put under pressure for the whole match, Harrisburg opened the scoring in the 32nd minute as Frederick Opoku sent a perfect ball across the face of goal for Jake Bond to tap in to the back of the net and haunt his former club. A quick restart with 20 minutes to go finally got Saint Louis back on level terms as the City Islanders' defense was caught out with Christian Volesky left onside to run through and tap his finish home, but in stoppage time a corner allowed the City Islanders to steal all three points as Pedro Ribeiro headed home the winner, leaving the crowd stunned.

Scoring:
32’ – HAR – Jake Bond (Frederick Opoku)
70’ – STL – Christian Volesky (Tyler Feeley)
90+’ – HAR – Pedro Ribeiro (Jake Bond)

Three Things That Matter:

  • 1. Saint Louis dominated possession in the match as it held 58.6 percent of the ball, controlling the ball from the very opening minutes. But for all of that possession it was wasted, as STLFC only managed just four shots on target.

  • 2. The City Islanders finally broke through for a win, following eight straight without a win which put them well out of the USL Cup Playoffs race. But now back to eight points out of the playoff places, Saturday's result gives City Islanders fans a glimmer of hope, although Harrisburg will need plenty of help to make the playoffs.

  • 3. Just two wins in its last nine matches has seen Saint Louis’ playoff hopes plummet as the club now needs to gain four points on FC Cincinnati just to break into the top eight in the Eastern Conference. Time is running out for Saint Louis to get the necessary points, and turn around its poor form, with just five matches remaining.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

Jake Bond, Harrisburg City Islanders – Bond was involved in both Harrisburg goals, scoring and providing the assist on the winner. Bond was active all over the park with his smart running helping the City Islanders all match. Managing 28 passes and winning six duels, Bond was crucial in the win.

Upcoming Games:
Saint Louis FC vs. Orlando City B – September 16, 8:30p.m. ET, Toyota Stadium, St. Louis
Harrisburg City Islanders vs. FC Cincinnati – September 16, 6:30p.m. ET, FNB Field

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